Chapter 20

_Enter DON RODORICK, and a Servant_.

_Rod_. Have you bespoke a vessel, as I bid you?

_Serv_. I have done better; for I have employed Some, whom I know, this day to seize a ship; Which they have done, clapping the men within her All under hatches, with such speed and silence, That, though she rides at anchor in the port Among the rest, the change is not discovered.

_Rod_. Let my best goods and jewels be embarked With secrecy: We'll put to sea this night. Have you yet found my sister, or her woman?

_Serv_. Neither, sir; but in all probability She is with Manuel.

_Rod_. Would God the meanest man in Alicant Had Angelina, rather than Don Manuel! I never can forgive, much less forget, How he (the younger soldier) was preferred To that command of horse, which was my due.

_Serv_. And, after that, by force disseized you of Your quarters--

_Rod_. Should I meet him seven years hence At the altar, I would kill him there:--I had Forgot to tell you, the design we had, To carry Julia by force away, Will now be needless: she'll come to the rock To see me; you, unseen, shall stand behind, And carry her into the vessel.

_Serv_. Shall I not help you to dispatch Don Manuel?

_Rod_. I neither doubt my valour nor my fortune: But if I die, revenge me: Presently About your business; I must to the rock, For fear I come too late. [_Exeunt severally_.